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SAN FRANCISCO FAMILY IMMIGRATION ATTORNEYS

What Is Family-Based Immigration?

Currently, obtaining a family-based visa is the primary method of immigration in the United States. Family immigration laws allow an individual who is already a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to sponsor a family member in order to help them obtain a visa.

This visa will then allow the immigrating family member to obtain lawful permanent residence, also known as a green card.

If you need legal assistance with family-based immigration, contact the Law Offices of Shamieh, Shamieh & Ternieden. Our San Francisco family-based visa attorneys can help you navigate the process from start to finish. Whether you need to obtain a K-1 fiancé visa or you wish to bring your children with you to the United States, our firm can help.


Reach out to us online or by phone at (415) 300-2144 to learn more about how our family-based immigration attorneys can help you. Schedule your initial consultation today.

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Who is Eligible for A FAMILY VISA APPLICATION?

Not every family member can be sponsored under family-based immigration law. If you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, you may not sponsor a grandparent, in-law, aunt, uncle, or cousin. In fact, there are only two groups of relatives that are eligible for family-based visas.

You or your loved one may be eligible for a family-based visa under one of the following categories:

  • Immediate Relatives: Includes spouses of U.S. citizens, unmarried children under the age of 21, orphans adopted abroad or in the U.S. by U.S. citizens, and parents of U.S. citizens at least 21 years of age
  • Family Preference: Includes the unmarried children and their children of U.S. citizens; the spouse, children, and/or unmarried sons/daughters who are at least 21 years old of lawful permanent residents; married sons/daughters and their children of U.S. citizens; and siblings of U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old, as well as the spouses/children of the siblings

Is My Spouse Eligible for an Immigration Visa?

In order for your spouse to qualify for a visa you must be considered legally married. Common-law marriages may also qualify for a spouse visa depending on the laws of the country where the marriage occurs.

There are several factors that can determine eligibility for a spouse visa. Our family and marriage visa team is experienced in handling the necessary legal paperwork to apply for a visa. We can also guide you through the process and help determine which you and your family are eligible for.

How to Apply for a Family Visa

The California state and federal laws regarding family-based immigration are complex. The process begins by the U.S. Citizen by filing out the Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. This form verifies the family relationship between you and your relative that you wish to petition for. You can also use the Form I-485 application to register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.

To avoid delays or mistakes it’s wise to have an experienced San Francisco visa attorney on your side who can help you understand your options and complete the process.

Our San Fancisco Family Visa Attorneys Can Help

At the Law Offices of Shamieh, Shamieh & Ternieden, we understand how important it is that your family stays together. We are committed to helping U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents sponsor their family members for visa application so they can secure lawful entry into the United States.

Our immigration attorneys can answer your questions, address your concerns, and provide individualized legal counsel tailored to your case.

We offer legal services in Arabic, English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Cantonese, and make ourselves highly accessible to our clients to provide time sensitive information. We have helped thousands of individuals navigate the immigration process. Find out how our family immigration firm in California can help you today.


Looking for a family immigration lawyer in San Francisco or nearby? Contact our firm at (415) 300-2144 to speak with a member of our team. 


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